Homeschooling Dilemmas #1--Catered-To Kids

Most of you already know that we plan to homeschool our kids and there have been some heated debates on this blog in the past over this issue.

Recently I've been pondering some things regarding homeschooling based on some observations. I know it's a busy time of year and you are all busy getting ready for the celebrations but my mind just doesn't quit and I wanted to share some of my thoughts on this issue.


I'll start by explaining that I heard this story recently but can't remember where I heard it. A grown homeschooler, beginning her first real job, had trouble adjusting and knowing where to fit in because everything had been so "tailor-made" for her needs by a very dedicated and thorough homeschooling mother that she was used to everything being exciting and fun. Buckling down to work for a boss who gave orders, instead of fun assignments, was very difficult for her.

This is probably a very rare problem with most homeschoolers due to the fact that many homeschooling families incorporate lots of work, household chores, and strict disciplined schedules into their daily routines. Indeed, all of the homeschoolers I know are being taught to work hard and serve others. Many employers/colleges specifically target homeschoolers because of their solid work ethic in a world where many young people have no concept of how to work.

I raise the issue simply to remind myself, and other women planning to homeschool, that it's something to watch out for. In trying to be good mothers, and good teachers, we do have a tendency to build on our children's gifts, interests, and delights. I think we should encourage them in these areas but also seek to impart to our children the importance of shouldering the load when we really don't want to and working on something even if it's unpleasant. This applies to all parents in the aspect of discipline, and yet it's especially important for those of us who will be in charge of our child's education. We should seek to help our children build the character qualities of discipline, perseverance, diligence, serving, humility, being teachable and working hard.

How do I plan to guard against "Catered-To Kids?"

*Routine household chores
*Teaching all of the subjects necesary for their grade level, even if they don't particularly enjoy them
*Biblical discipline and instruction (I'm listening to a series done by the author of "Shepherding a Child's Heart" right now at www.theresurgence.com) Teaching my children to submit properly to authority is the first step in helping them understand that the world doesn't cater to their needs and desires
*Training in life skills beyond the basic cleaning chores (caring for small kids/babies, changing oil on the car, raking leaves, gardening, budgeting, menu-planning, bargain-shopping, sewing, wood-work, care for pets, etc.)
*A balance between fun learning and "not-so-fun" studying
*Giving them a well-rounded background (music lessons, Phys. Ed activities, art classes, skill tutoring (example: Grandpa teaching them to make something out of wood), even if they aren't particularly interested in each thing)
*Teaching and exhorting them to love and follow Jesus. Jesus made Himself nothing and came in human likeness. He poured Himself out for us. If our kids love and follow Jesus, the Holy Spirit will help them to be humble, teachable, servant-hearted, and diligent.


If you are a homeschooling mom or were homeschooled growing up, I'd love to hear some of your own ideas on combatting the Catered-To Syndrome.